Minimalism is winning in 2025, and nails are right in the middle of it. “No-makeup” nails are the manicure equivalent of dewy skinfresh, polished, and almost too natural-looking to clock as salon work. And trust me, it’s not just a micro-trend. Celebs, runway shows, and TikTok all co-signed this one, so it’s sticking around.
What Are “No-Makeup” Nails?
At its core, this mani is all about looking like you’re not trying. It’s sheer pinks, milky whites, and translucent beiges that blur imperfections while letting your natural nail shine through. Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein even described them as nails that “look like just a clear coat.” Basically: your nails, but better.
Instead of bold polish or chunky nail art, it’s about restraint. Short to mid-length nails, rounded or squoval shapes, and a glossy topcoat do all the heavy lifting. People might think you’re just blessed with strong, healthy nails. (And honestly? That’s the flex.)
The Signature Look: Colors, Finishes & Shapes
It’s about cult-classic polishes like Essie Ballet Slippers, OPI Bubble Bath, Chanel Ballerina – all those sheer pink-beige icons. A high-shine finish is essential, because this trend is all about hydration and glow. Some even call it “lip gloss nails” when the shine is dialed up extra glossy.
Shapes stay neat and soft: oval, almond, or short square. Nothing too sharp, nothing too long. The vibe is minimal, polished, and quietly expensive.
Cultural Influences: Clean Girl, K-Beauty & Quiet Luxury
This look didn’t pop up out of nowhere. The minimalist, glassy aesthetic has roots in K-beauty and J-beauty, with trends like syrup nails and jelly nails. TikTok’s #cleangirlnails fueled the fire – slick buns, gold hoops, sheer nails, repeat.
And then there’s the “quiet luxury” effect. Runways in New York, Paris, and Milan leaned into soft, neutral nails to let couture shine. Fashion houses like Jason Wu and Tory Burch swapped neon shades for barely-there beige. That “old money” stealth-wealth vibe trickled down fast.
Celebrities Who Love the Look
Zoë Kravitz, Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Rihanna – the receipts are endless. Even Kylie Jenner, queen of elaborate nails, paired it back for her 27th birthday with a glossy pink neutral set. When celebs best known for maximalism go minimalist, you know the trend has reached.
Nail artists like Harriet Westmoreland and Betina Goldstein post these clean sets constantly on Instagram, and the likes rack up fast. It’s proof that understatement is trending harder than ever.
Social Media Hype: TikTok, Instagram & Pinterest
TikTok creators love this look because it’s accessible. Tutorials for DIY “no makeup nails” are everywhere – buff, oil, topcoat, done. Some even do hyper-realistic nails, using gel or extensions to fake flawless natural nails.
On Instagram, “lip gloss nails” and “model manicure” edits keep the inspo flowing. On Pinterest, boards full of neutral nails are exploding with saves. Searches for “natural nails” and “minimalist manicures” have spiked since 2024, proving this trend isn’t slowing down.
How to Get the Look
DIY: File, buff, cuticle oil, clear topcoat. Add one coat of a sheer pink or beige polish if you want a tint. Products like Dior Nail Glow or Londontown Nail Concealer are cult favorites for that “filtered but natural” finish.
Salon: Ask for BIAB (builder gel in a bottle) or sheer gel polish. Pros can even add tiny touches like a barely-there French tip or a micro crystal without losing the clean vibe. Bonus: gels stay shiny for weeks.
Popular Variations
- Glazed donut nails – Thanks to Hailey Bieber. Milky neutral base + chrome powder = pearly glow.
- Lip gloss nails – Sheer pink polish with mega-shine topcoat. Juicy, glassy finish.
- Barely-there French tips – Ultra-thin tips with a neutral base, so subtle you can barely tell.
- Milky nails – Soft, semi-opaque whites or beige tones for a creamy look.
All in the same family, all about subtle shine.
Final Take
No-makeup nails prove that minimalism can actually be the loudest flex. They’re chic, easy to wear, and honestly, a life-saver when you don’t want to commit to color. Sometimes less really is more, and this trend is the proof.
So next time you hit the salon, don’t overthink it. Ask for your nails but better vibe, and you’ll be right on trend for 2025. And hey, give some love to The Pink Issue, tag us when you recreate the look, and make sure you’re following us on socials for even more nail inspo. XoXo 💕
